Ready to chase some of the Caribbean's most prized fish? Hop aboard Morning Spirit, a 34' Crusader that'll take you straight to Grand Cayman's offshore honey holes. This full-day trip with Morning Spirit Charters puts you right where the big ones lurk – we're talking wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi, and more. With Captain Omar at the helm, you've got generations of local fishing knowledge working in your favor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, this is hands-down one of the best ways to experience deep sea fishing in Cayman waters.
Picture this: You're cruising out past the reef, the anticipation building as Grand Cayman fades into the distance. The crew's prepping lines, checking gear, and sharing a few local fishing tales. If conditions are right, we'll make a beeline for the 12-Mile Bank – a legendary spot where the deep blue waters hold some serious potential. We'll mix it up between trolling for the speedsters like wahoo and settling in to drift for yellowfin tuna. The boat's stocked with top-notch gear, plenty of bait, and enough ice to keep your catch fresh. They've even got you covered with water, sodas, and snacks to keep you fueled up. Just remember to pack a lunch – trust me, you'll work up an appetite out here!
Out here, we play the offshore game. That means we're using heavy-duty gear and time-tested techniques to target the big boys. Trolling's the name of the game for wahoo and mahi-mahi – we'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits behind the boat as we cruise productive areas. When we're after tuna, we might switch it up and do some drift fishing, letting natural currents work their magic. Captain Omar's got a sixth sense for finding the fish, whether it's spotting subtle changes in the water or picking up on bird activity. If you're keen on trying for billfish like marlin or swordfish, just let the crew know. They can set you up with the specialized gear and tactics needed to tangle with these giants of the deep.
While every day on the water's different, Grand Cayman's offshore waters rarely disappoint. Anglers have been crushing it with wahoo in the 30-50 pound range, often hooking multiples in a day. The yellowfin tuna action has been hot too, with fish pushing past the 100-pound mark not uncommon. Mahi-mahi (dorado) have been putting on a show, with their acrobatic fights and stunning colors making them a favorite. And for the patient anglers willing to put in the time, there's always the chance of hooking into a massive blue marlin – the dream catch for many heading out to the Cayman deep.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These fish are the acrobats of the ocean. Known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, mahi-mahi are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. They're most abundant in Cayman waters from April to October, often found near floating sargassum weed lines. Their vibrant colors – electric blues and greens – make for incredible photos. Plus, they're fast growers, which means targeting them is both exciting and sustainable.
Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds over 60 mph, making for some of the most exciting strikes you'll ever experience. They're around year-round in Cayman, but peak season is typically November to March. Wahoo are known for their blistering runs and their white, flaky meat is a local delicacy. Landing a 50+ pounder is a real accomplishment, and it's not uncommon on these trips.
Yellowfin Tuna: The powerhouses of the deep, yellowfin tuna will test your stamina and your gear. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like champions. They're most abundant in Cayman waters from March to June, but you can find them year-round. The thrill of watching a school of yellowfin bust bait on the surface is unforgettable. And let's not forget – fresh yellowfin makes for world-class sashimi right on the boat!
Swordfish: The gladiators of the sea, swordfish are the holy grail for many deep-sea anglers. While not as common as other species, the chance to battle one of these prehistoric-looking fish is what draws many to offshore waters. They're typically targeted at night or in very deep water during the day. Landing a swordfish is a true feat of angling skill and endurance – these fights can last hours.
Blackfin Tuna: Often overlooked for their larger yellowfin cousins, blackfin tuna are a blast to catch on lighter tackle. They may be smaller, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. Blackfin are around all year but seem to be most active in the fall months. They're often found in large schools, which means multiple hookups and non-stop action when you find them.
It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. What sets a day out with Morning Spirit Charters apart is the whole package. You've got a skilled captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, a well-equipped boat that can handle the offshore conditions, and the chance to experience the raw beauty of the open Caribbean. There's something special about being out there where the water turns that deep, intense blue. Whether you're reeling in a monster or just soaking in the sun between bites, it's the kind of day that sticks with you. And let's not forget – the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy fish are pretty sweet too.
Look, if you're thinking about giving offshore fishing a shot while you're in Grand Cayman, this is the way to do it. Morning Spirit Charters has dialed in the perfect mix of local knowledge, top-notch gear, and good old-fashioned Caymanian hospitality. With room for up to six anglers, it's ideal for everything from a family adventure to a hardcore fishing trip with your buddies. Just remember – the big fish aren't going to catch themselves, and the best dates book up fast. So if you're ready to make some waves (and maybe some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime), don't wait to lock in your spot. The offshore action is calling – time to answer!
Blackfin tuna are the smallest tuna we target, usually 15-25 pounds. But don't let the size fool you - they fight hard for their weight. We find them from the surface down to about 500 feet, often around offshore structure. Fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers love blackfin for their fast runs and excellent eating. To catch 'em, we'll troll small lures or jig when we mark fish. My blackfin trick: chum heavily to draw them up, then cast small live baits into the frenzy. Light leaders are key - these fish have sharp eyes. When hooked, blackfin make blistering runs. Keep the rod tip up and hang on!
Mahi mahi are a colorful, hard-fighting fish we often target offshore. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60+ pounds. You'll find them near floating debris or weed lines, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love mahi for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat. To catch 'em, we'll troll rigged ballyhoo or skirted lures. My go-to trick is to keep a spinning rod ready with a live bait - when we spot a school, pitch that bait out and hang on! The first mahi hooked will often keep the school around, so be ready for multiple hookups. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them.
Swordfish are deep-water giants, averaging 200-400 pounds. They hunt from 200 feet down to 2000+ feet deep. We target them day and night, but night fishing is most popular. They're here year-round, with summer-fall being peak season. Anglers prize swordfish for the challenge and their excellent meat. To catch 'em, we'll drift baits deep with heavy weights and lights. My swordfish secret: use squid for bait, but stuff it with a glow stick. The light attracts fish in the deep darkness. When you get a bite, it's a battle of endurance - swordfish fights can last hours. But landing one of these prehistoric-looking beasts is unforgettable.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the sea, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. They're streamlined torpedoes, usually 3-5 feet long and 15-30 pounds. We find them along drop-offs and current edges, often 100-400 feet deep. Fall and winter are peak wahoo seasons here. Anglers target wahoo for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. To catch 'em, we troll fast - 12-15 knots - with wire leaders and lures like jets or Ilanders. My top wahoo tip: when a fish hits, don't slow down right away. Keep trolling to hook any others following the school, then fight the fish. And keep that drag tight - wahoo will make long runs trying to shake the hook.
Yellowfin tuna are powerhouses - streamlined and built for speed. Most run 30-100 pounds here, but they can top 200+. We find them offshore, often around temperature breaks or upwellings. They hunt near the surface down to about 300 feet. Late spring through fall is prime time. Anglers love yellowfin for their hard fights and high-grade sushi. To catch 'em, we'll troll spreader bars or cedar plugs, or chunk if we mark fish. My yellowfin tip: watch for birds working bait - that often means tuna below. When we find them, a live bait pitched into the school can trigger a bite. Just be ready for a long battle - these fish don't give up easy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yanmar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 315